Central Scheme·All India·Active

DPIIT Startup India Recognition

Q: How do I apply for DPIIT Recognition?

Apply through the official portal: https://nsws.gov.in. The scheme is administered by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.

The gateway credential. Itself free, but unlocks 80-IAC tax holiday, IP fee rebates, labour self-cert, GeM access, SISFS eligibility. First filing post-incorporation.

Quick facts

Ministry / Agency: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce
Funding: Free
Stage: Any stage
Sector: Any sector
Equity dilution: none
DPIIT recognition required: No
NRI / OCI eligibility: Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.

Who is eligible

Pvt Ltd / LLP / Partnership / Cooperative, ≤10 yrs (20 Deep Tech), turnover ≤₹200 Cr

How to apply

DPIIT Recognition is administered by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries.

Apply on the official portal

Opens nsws.gov.in in a new tab. StartupIndi is not affiliated with this scheme or its administering body.

Other schemes that often pair with DPIIT Recognition or apply to a similar profile.

Udyam Registration

Free, online MSME credential. De facto mandatory for accessing CGTMSE, PMEGP, public procurement, delayed-payment protection. File alongside DPIIT.

Funding: FreeStage: Any

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

Up to ₹20 L grant for PoC/prototype + up to ₹50 L convertible/debt for market entry. Apply to up to 3 incubators. ₹605+ Cr deployed to 3,400+ startups.

Funding: ₹20 L – ₹70 LStage: ideation, prototype

PMEGP — PM's Employment Generation Programme

New-unit setup loan with 15-35% margin money subsidy. Special category (women, SC/ST, OBC, NER, hilly) gets 25% urban / 35% rural. Works for shops, manufacturing, services.

Funding: Up to ₹50 LStage: ideation, mvp

Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) 1.0 & 2.0

FFS doesn't fund startups directly — backs SEBI AIFs which deploy 2× SIDBI commitment into DPIIT startups. FFS 2.0 (Apr 2026): another ₹10,000 Cr with Deep Tech carve-out.

Funding: Indirect via AIFsStage: mvp, early-revenue

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for DPIIT Recognition?+

Pvt Ltd / LLP / Partnership / Cooperative, ≤10 yrs (20 Deep Tech), turnover ≤₹200 Cr

What is the funding amount under DPIIT Recognition?+

Free. Free; gateway

Can NRI or OCI founders apply for DPIIT Recognition?+

Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.

Does DPIIT Recognition require DPIIT recognition?+

No — DPIIT recognition is not required for DPIIT Recognition.

How do I apply for DPIIT Recognition?+

Apply through the official portal at nsws.gov.in. The scheme is administered by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.

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